The Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) is an assessment model that has, at its heart, the development of the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required for children to succeed and flourish in an ever-changing world. Children are encouraged, recognised and celebrated in their achievements, and are directly prepared for the next step of their educational journey.  

The PSB, 

  • is a framework that our robust curriculum sits within 
  • bridges the skills gap, previously lacking in a content-based curriculum 
  • encourages implicit skills and characteristics to be made more explicit 
  • has six core skills incorporated into teaching, feedback and reports: Leadership, Collaboration, Communication, Independence, Thinking & Learning, Reviewing & Improving 

The PSB is a natural fit for Sherborne Prep as its approach and aims are directly aligned with our Sherborne Prep ethos. Partnering with PSB has enabled us to further advance our approach to skills development in learning and explicitly show our pupils the importance of this, alongside knowledge acquisition. Ultimately, Sherborne Prep pupils leave our school with a toolbox full of skills rather than just a briefcase of grades. 

 

Teaching insights and research have taught us that children need a curriculum which places as much value on core learning skills as it does on the acquisition of knowledge. This means that children need not only to learn how to pass exams but also to develop character traits which enable them to be good communicators, mentally flexible and resilient. These attributes will help them to thrive academically, socially and professionally in life. 

The Year 8 PSPQ (Pre-Senior Project Qualification)

The PSPQ is an in-depth, independent, and self-directed inquiry project inspired by the pupils' own interests and values. The pupils undertake independent research, maintain a comprehensive logbook which documents their learning and skills development. The culmination of their efforts is presented either as an academic essay or a creative project. A final exhibition event offers our Year 8 cohort a platform to showcase their final pieces to parents and visiting staff from senior schools, as well as giving them an opportunity to talk through the journey they have undertaken along the way.  The PSPQ is a crucial part of the pupils' PSB portfolio and allows our pupils to demonstrate the six PSB Core Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Leadership, Independence, Reviewing & Improving and Thinking & Learning.

The Assessment

The PSB has a flexible and adaptable assessment model which is recognised by senior schools and allows us to move away from the rigid Common Entrance exam. 
 
It will allow our pupils to leave Sherborne Prep with a cumulative, externally recognised and verified certificate of achievement across all areas of School life. A combination of exams, end-of-topic tests, projects, debates, presentations and in-class teacher assessment will contribute to your child’s final PSB certificate. 

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